ANTHC to get $400 million settlement from feds over unpaid healthcare costs

The U.S. Department of Justice has announced a $400 million settlement with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) to resolve a lawsuit regarding unpaid expenses. The litigation stemmed from claims that the Indian Health Service failed to reimburse the consortium for contract support costs between 2014 and 2022. These costs included overhead, financial audits, and management expenses required to operate the tribal health system under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.

Natasha Singh, president and CEO of ANTHC, stated that the settlement provides a foundation to expand healthcare access, improve care, and support the workforce. The settlement follows a 2024 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in a similar case that validated the obligation of the federal government to reimburse tribes for such expenses. ANTHC, which serves over 175,000 Alaska Native and Indigenous people, plans to use resources to support ongoing projects, including hospital expansions and new facilities.

ANTHC operates the Alaska Native Medical Center in partnership with the Southcentral Foundation. The organization provides a wide range of services, including healthcare, research, and climate change mitigation. The settlement is expected to grant the consortium greater autonomy and financial stability to manage complex healthcare services for Native populations.

(Source：Adn)